The dream would be for me to quit my job in the nonprofit world and go full-time in real estate investing.Grateful to be part of this community and your feedback! 

Jobs stabilize values.

@Stuart Udis I agree on multi units , making tenants responsible for common areas is a bad idea .

I have experience in economic development and finance, but am looking to build a portfolio to not be 100% dependent on a day job.

Between your job and savings already, you should be able to house hack one, move out in a year, then house hack another.

Phase 1 - Demo, roof, HVAC (this should take 10 days) Phase 2 - Plumbing, electrical, patch roof (this is two weeks) etc.Too many people jump in with anyone who says they can do the job b/c you just wanna believe it so bad. 

As I inspect listings, I see the 'for rent' and 'vacation rental' signs way too common--on almost every block in many parts of town. 

Once you do all that get bids from them on jobs.

They can make that jump because they still have meaningful income coming in—something most investors can’t rely on if they quit their jobs to chase full-time investing.

I recommend you get an estimate of cost and savings if you or spouse qualify as a REP or Dan use STR loophole (terrible name, but common name).